With a love for great steaks and quality ingredients, it is no wonder Chef Peter Idsall of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National was named Alabama's Chef of the Year.

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With a love for great steaks and quality ingredients, it is no wonder Chef Peter Idsall of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National was named Alabama's Chef of the Year.

The Alabama Hospitality Association and the Alabama Restaurant Association presented the eighth annual Hospitality Stars of Alabama awards at a Gala Awards Dinner in Birmingham on Monday, November 5th, 2007 and honored Chef Idsall. These awards recognize outstanding performance, commitment and achievements in the lodging, tourism and restaurant industry.

"The Chef of the Year Award recognizes the culinary professional who exemplifies culinary excellence through a combination of uniqueness and creativity, or one who has earned a reputation for his or her culinary expertise. The award winner has demonstrated the ability to create positive teamwork within the back-of-the-house staff and has been involved in community efforts," said Layne Lunn of the Alabama Restaurant Association. "And Pete Idsall certainly fits the profile of Chef of the Year, in every way. We are proud as an association and an industry to be associated with Pete Idsall."

Idsall, a native New Yorker, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a member of the American Culinary Federation. "We have grown to love Alabama and it is quite an honor to be named the state's Chef of the Year," said Idsall, executive chef at the Opelika, Alabama hotel. "It was a great surprise to be recognized by my peers." He describes the hotel's Lakeview Room restaurant in Auburn, Alabama as an upscale casual steakhouse. "We seldom see diners leave hungry," he said. The restaurant features exceptional steaks and fresh vegetables.

"Not only is Pete Idsall a skilled chef, but he runs his kitchen in a timely and efficient manner while consistently preparing great meals for our hotel guests and area residents," said Jay Prater, general manager of the Marriott Opelika Auburn Hotel. "He is a leader to the entire staff and in the community. Idsall spends his time volunteering as Chief Idsall at the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department where his leadership is in high regard." He also spends time volunteering in area schools demonstrating his skills to the children.

"We are very proud of Chef Pete and he certainly is very deserving of this honor," said Prater. "He has brought great culinary talents, leadership and wonderful dining memories to our hotel."

About Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National:
Overlooking the award-winning Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, this Auburn Hotel is on par with the nation's most distinctive facilities. Nestled on 2,000 acres of lakefront countryside, Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National is an exceptional golf and business retreat located 10 minutes from Auburn University in the quaint, historic town of Opelika. Situated on the shores of Lake Saugahatchee, this Auburn, AL hotel offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, as well as 54 challenging holes of championship golf designed by legendary architect, Robert Trent Jones. Escape from ordinary Opelika hotels and indulge in the finest mix of business and pleasure. Enjoy guest rooms designed with the finest attention to detail complete with private balconies providing stunning views of the lush green fairways and sparkling lakes at this incredible Auburn, Alabama hotel. Discover an elegant oasis at the incomparable Auburn Marriott Opelika, AL Hotel. For more information or to make a reservation, call 334-741-9292 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/csgab-auburn-marriott-opelika-hotel-and-conference-center-at-grand-national/.